Section 1 [Definitions] removes "program test authority" from the definition of "noncommercial radio station." Noncommercial radio stations are eligible for receiving financial assistance from the state. This section adds a definition of "local" that accommodates low wattage stations.
Section 2 [Eligibility] modifies eligibility qualifications for state grants to noncommercial radio stations by adding requirements that the stations have specified FCC licenses and have specified equipment. This section allows an exception for power outages and natural disasters to the requirement that a station broadcast 365 days per year to be eligible for a grant. This section replaces a requirement that a station originate "significant" locally produced programming with a requirement that a station originate 50 hours per week of locally produced programming to be eligible for assistance. This section adds a requirement that a station have a primary signal that is not operating under a time share agreement to be eligible for assistance. This section exempts a station that is qualified to receive funding, but is not yet receiving funding, from a requirement for an independent audit to verify eligibility.
Section 3 [Public Broadcasting; Appropriation] appropriates $392,000 in FY 2014 and $392,000 in FY 2015 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Administration for community service grants to public educational radio stations, to be allocated after considering the recommendations of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations.
Section 4 [Public Educational Radio Stations; Appropriation] appropriates $117,000 in FY 2014 and $117,000 in FY 2015 from the general fund to the commissioner of administration for equipment grants to public educational radio stations for the purchase of equipment, to be allocated after considering the recommendations of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio
Section 5 [Reductions Shared] requires grants to existing grantees to be reduced equally if a new public radio station becomes eligible for funding.
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